The Group 1 Phoenix Stakes headlines Sunday’s racing. It is the first top level contest for juveniles in Britain and Ireland, with Aidan O’Brien’s Sun Goddess set to go off favourite. Chepstow, Downpatrick and Leicester also go racing.
GG tipster Joe Napier has a selection in that Curragh contest, as well as three others across the cards to make up our Sunday lucky 15.
Curragh Racing Tips (Sunday 9 August)
It is the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes for juveniles at the Curragh on Sunday. One of our lucky 15 tips runs in that race against the Ballydoyle favourite, while we also have a selection earlier on the card.
1.45 Curragh – Miss Hong Kong (1pt win – )
The last two renewals of this race have been won by debutants. There are some talented fillies in here with experience, but Miss Hong Kong may possess the credentials to win first time out. She is a full sister to Naval Force, who also ran for Donnacha O’Brien. He won on his own debut back in September 2023 by three lengths. That bodes well for how Miss Hong Kong may perform on this debut, while her brother also won on both heavy and good-to-firm going. The daughter of Churchill should make her presence felt, with 7f looking ideal as an opening distance.
4.00 Curragh – Folsom Blues (1pt win – 8/1)
Sun Goddess look a vulnerable favourite in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes. Aidan O’Brien has only won this once in the last eight years and son Joseph’s Folsom Blues can down the market leader. Third on debut over this track and trip, he then won by a wide margin next time out at Gowran Park. That was over 7f on soft, but he is not short of pace, while his pedigree, being by Blue Point, with his damsire being Oasis Dream, suggests he should absolutely cope with returning to 6f. His effort in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes over 7f was another good run in second. That form may prove to be as strong as any in this race and he can spring a surprise.
Leicester Racing Tips (Sunday 9 August)
Quick ground should be the tipple at Leicester on Sunday. We have two tips at the track, both of whom are unexposed in handicaps.
3.34 Leicester – Al Maslool (1pt win – )
It was eighth time lucky for Al Maslool last time out, but that may now catalyse his form. William Haggas’ runner showed little at two over 1m-1m2f. He remained at the intermediate mile-and-a-quarter to begin this term, running a better race over 1m3f at Lingfield in between. Handicaps were always where he was going to improve, as demonstrated at Chester last time out. Stepping out to 1m4½f, he overcame trouble in running to win on the line. The handicapper has only pushed him up 2lb, but he could be ready to win plenty over 1m4f now that one victory is in the bag. His rider Cieren Fallon is in terrific form too.
4.44 Leicester – Ray Mon Dough (1pt win – )
Two pieces of Ray Mon Dough’s form stand out to suggest a handicap win is imminent. His victory on debut at Lingfield last season was one of those, being by an impressive five-length winning margin. He disappointed on return at Kempton, but was then a clear second behind the 102-rated Behike. The third was five lengths behind him and is now rated 80. Ray Mon Dough was only sixth at Chester after 68 days off. He was too keen that day, but that was against a higher calibre of opposition. Down in class, and down 3lb in the handicap, he can score here off top-weight.
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Curragh – first race 13:15
- Leicester – first race 14:24
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Sunday 9 August, which include selections at Curragh & Leicester.
When were Friday’s Lucky 15 tips for Curragh & Leicester published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Sunday 9 August were published at 11.05am on Saturday 8 August.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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